Moral outrage is not a strategy, in any circumstance. Re Assad use of force must have a meaningful strategic objective. If not, pointless.

Just like Afghan and Iraq, the briefly sentimentalist Western publics do not have staying-power or moral fibre for long necessary campaign.

Brit parl (inadvertently?) correct. Avoid Syria civil war. But profound need to have strategic options in place for ghastly outcomes.

the paradox of scottish yes vote: small Scotland again becomes a supplicant satellite of a huge England rather than an influential partner

Great relief! Now federalism essential for UK. Look to Canada, Australia and Germany for models.